National Hardwood Magazine - November 2014

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS COALITION CHALLENGES ITC RULING The Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood (CFTHP) filed its principal brief to the U.S. Court of International Trade recently, appealing the International Trade Commission’s determination that the Hardwood plywood industry has not been harmed by imports of subsidized Chinese plywood. The ITC’s determination was made despite the Department of Commerce’s findings that imports of Chinese plywood are sold at less than fair market value. The Coalition argues that the ITC disregarded key evidence. Additionally the Coalition said that imports of Chinese Hardwood plywood poses a severe economic harm to the American plywood industry due in part to price depression and the use of illegally sourced lumber. The U.S. Hardwood plywood manufacturers debate against Hardwood plywood importers began in 2012 when the case was first filed by the CFTHP. Including companies such as Columbia Forest Products, Timber Products and others, the CFTHP argued Chinese Hardwood plywood was being unfairly subsidized by the Chinese government and sold at less than fair value in the U.S. Although the Coalition opposed the ruling, another U.S. organization, the American Alliance for Hardwood Plywood (AAHP), is defending the ITC ruling. AAHP argues that the Coalition’s actions are hurting U.S. wood products manufacturers. The AAHP cited that most Hardwood plywood from China is of lower grade than U.S. Hardwood plywood and less prone to be utilized in decorative applications. AAHP’s primary concern is that increased duties on imported Chinese Hardwood plywood will create uncertainty in the marketplace and job loss. UNITED FURNITURE TO OPEN NC FACTORY/DISTRIBUTION CENTER United Furniture Industries, headquartered in Okolona, MS, is expanding operations in North Carolina and opening a factory and distribution center in Winston-Salem, according to sources. The 850,000-square-foot facility is a former textile plant. United projects to spend at least .2 million in capital investments at the plant over the next three years and initially create 200 full-time jobs. The company currently employs 940 people at four North Carolina facilities. “This has been a long-term project for us,” said Executive Vice President Jay Quimby. “It represents another significant investment in the expansion of the company to grow our customer base in the Northeast and to service them better.” The company currently has a distribution center near Winston- Salem, but it will be consolidated into a new facility, according to company officials. 8 NOVEMBER 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

NEWS ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HARDWOOD CONSUMERS INCLUDING MERGERS, PLANT EXPANSIONS & ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES United hopes to have three production lines operating by the end of the year. NEWPORT HOME FURNISHINGS EXPANDS PLANT Newport Home Furnishings LLC, based here, recently expanded operations in New Albany, MS. The 0,000 project investment will result in 45 new jobs at the residential furniture company. “The state’s furniture manufacturers are key players in north Mississippi’s economy and I appreciate the team at Newport Home Furnishings for further strengthening its roots in New Albany and creating new jobs,” Governor Phil Bryant said in announcing the news. “Newport Home Furnishings LLC is pleased to partner with the state of Mississippi, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Appalachian Regional Commission, Union County and the City of New Albany as we expand our business,” added Wayne Steward, managing partner at Newport Home Furnishings. “We appreciate the efforts and contributions of all involved.” IHLA MEMBERS ADDRESS KEY ISSUES WITH CONGRESS Four Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA) members recently visited with nine members of Indiana’s Congressional delegation, and spent two days on Capitol Hill. Bob Miller and Steve James of Frank Miller Lumber and Matt Smith of Koetter & Smith joined IHLA Executive Director Ray Moistner in the grass-roots lobbying effort, addressing the topics deemed to be the highest priority by the Federation. Among those issues the Endangered Species Act was highlighted and the pending listing of the Northern Long-Eared Bat, which could threaten timber availability in 39 states, and potentially devastate the Hardwood region in a manner similar to that of the spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest. There is no verified relationship between timber harvesting and bat population declines, and the real threat to the bat is the spread of White- Nose Syndrome. The Indiana Congressional delegation was especially in tune with the issue, having just co-signed a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2013, addressing similar concerns with the listing and guidance documents related to the Indiana Bat. The group met with U.S. Representatives of Indiana: Marlin Stutzman, Todd Rokita, Susan Brooks, Luke Messer, Andre Carson, Larry Buschon and Todd Young, as well as Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly. ■ Great wood starts here. PH: 315-655-8824 | FAX: 315-655-4449 2550 BALLINA RD. CAZENOVIA, NY 13035 www.johnsonbrotherslumber.com NOVEMBER 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 9